View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. About what do the citizens gossip?

2. Where will Aubrey and his crew be going?

3. Where does Aubrey find Maturin enjoying a performance?

4. What has Maturin recently purchased?

5. What do some of Aubrey's crew mistake animals for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Aubrey's orders from the Admiral for him and his crew?

2. What is Ramadan?

3. What does Aubrey learn about the Worcester and Surprise when he meets with the Admiral?

4. Describe Mr. Hairabedian.

5. Why is the Dromedary early and what is the effect of that?

6. What does Aubrey decide to do about Mrs. Fielding and why?

7. Describe the situation at the opening of Treason's Harbour.

8. Who do Aubrey and his crew meet in Mubara and what does he tell them?

9. What does Aubrey do with his prize money?

10. Who is Mrs. Fielding and how does she and Ponto become friends with Aubrey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Treason's Harbour.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 2

Treason's Harbour is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel and the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in Treason's Harbour that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,063 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample